Natives of Freeport and Forreston were in a crowd estimated at 1 million people who saw or heard President Obama inaugurated for a second term Monday on the National Mall in Washington.

As cannons fired a 21-gun salute, Freeport native Tom Stowe, 23, reflected on the experience of his second Obama inauguration while walking five miles back to his apartment just north of the White House. Stowe called the experience of seeing people come together for the swearing in of the president “exciting.”

Stowe dressed for the weather, wearing shoes fit for the long walk, to stand in the crowd of those who wanted to be part of history. He took the Metro train to get to the mall. Travel to the event was uneventful, getting home was another story.

Stowe, who has worked for senators and representatives, said he thrives on the political atmosphere. Missing this inauguration was not an option. Stowe had to hear Obama’s words in person.

“Getting a spot was not hard, but the handlers kept pushing the crowd close, so by the time I had my spot, it was like being at a crowded music concert,” Stowe said. “But this was better — almost claustrophobic, though. The energy was high but different from four years ago. This time it was not as intense — more subdued.”

Stowe said he was focused on Obama’s speech and was surprised he spoke of energy sources.

“The speech was so uplifting,” he said.

Keith Janicke, a Forreston native who lives in Chicago, was also in the inauguration crowd. Janicke, who worked on the Obama campaign, said being at National Mall was “incredible.”

“Being a part of history in the making was why I wanted to be at the inauguration,” Janicke said. “I believe in the message of Obama — seeing him inaugurated was special. I got up early to witness it. I know his battle doesn’t end today, but I was there to witness it.